This papers argues that much of the corona virus ‘blame game’, including the Australian government’s call for an international independent inquiry into China’s actions, is misguided and self-interested.

The COVID-19 pandemic and economic lockdown means many countries are looking inwards. But global cooperation will be an important lever out of the economic and social consequences of the virus. This paper suggests that the New Zealand government should embrace the opportunity to reinforce its image as a clean, open and lawful nation.

This policy brief makes several practical recommendations that would allow the trilateral partners to compete more effectively with China while simultaneously promoting more sustainable development outcomes.

The ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP) is a defensive attempt at reasserting ASEAN centrality, and the importance of engaging smaller and middle powers of Asia. But instead of just asserting centrality, this paper argues that ASEAN should also achieve and earn a pivotal role in shaping the emerging 21st-century order in the Indo-Pacific.

The recommendations in the report are designed to maximise the value and mitigate the downside risks of China engagement for Australia's Antarctic and broader national interests.